"To the Oswalt family, we just heard about Russ's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Russ has left a great legacy of living well, loving his family and friends and following Gods path."
In loving memory of
Russell Clare Oswalt
August 10, 1928 - February 11, 2012
Russell Clare Oswalt, 83 of Collins died on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Zearing Health Care Center in Zearing. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14 in the Collins Christian Church, 303 Main Street in Collins. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Russ was born on August 10, 1928 in Marshalltown to Floyd and Ada (Wescott) Oswalt. He attended the Prairie Flower Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Collins Community High School in 1945. Russ served in the Merchant Marines before returning to the family farm. On August 15, 1948, he married Wanda Jane Anderson in Collins. Their 63 years of married life were spent together farming northeast of Collins. Russ loved spending time with his family, traveling with Wanda, fishing, golfing, and playing cards. He was a lifelong member of the Collins Christian Church and belonged to the Collins Lions Club and Masonic Lodge #292. Russ served as a town councilman and also as mayor of Collins.
Russ is survived by his wife Wanda of Collins; three sons, Robert (Diana) Oswalt of Colo, William (Dawn) Oswalt of Jaffrey, NH, and Bradley Oswalt of Colo; two daughters Barbara (Bill) Matthias of Denver, IA and Becky (Lindsey) Beving of Wellsburg, IA; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Norene Hale of Des Moines, Marguerite Farren of Newton, and Lola Dodd of Collins.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gale and Bill Oswalt, and a grandson Cory Oswalt.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 13 with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. again at the Collins Christian Church in Collins.
A memorial fund has been established in loving memory of Russ for the Collins Christian Church or the Zearing Health Care Center.
Online condolences may be directed to chetryanmortuary.com.
Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Russ and his family.
Tributes
"Barb, Kyle, and family, We are so very sad to hear about your loss. We are sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. With All Our Love, The Kirchoff's (Kelly, Kyle, Shane, and Kelsey)"
"As my first cousin, Russ Oswalt was a special person and his presence will be dearly missed by family, friends, and other relatives. Russ will be remembered well for his love of family and subsequent involvement, farming the land, interest in civic activities, and strong adherence to Christian principles. My thoughts and prayers are with the Oswalt family during this time of sorrow and God's blessings to each and every one of them. Great memories last forever and I'll always remember my Uncle Floyd and Cousin Russ working the farm north of Collins as part of those remembrances from times long past. May he rest in eternal peace and join in haven with so many other friends and relatives."
"As my cousin, Russ Oswalt was a special person and his presence will be dearly missed by family, friends, and other relatives. Russ will be remembered well for his love of family and subsequent involvement, farming the land, interest in civic activities, and adherence to strong Christian principles. My thoughts and prayers are with the Oswalt family during this time of sorrow and God?s blessings to each and every one of them. Great memories last forever and I?ll always remember my Uncle Floyd and Cousin Russ working the farm north of Collins as part of those remembrances from times past. "
"I have nothing but the fondest memories of Russ and his family going back to the late 1950's. I remember playing ball with the boys when visiting the family farm, and all the family reunions. Being an Oswalt, I always looked up to Russ. Russ was my father's first cousin; my grandfather and Russ' father being brothers. Russ was a wonderful family roll model, and always made me proud to be a part of the Oswalt family. Thank God for the hereafter, we will meet again."
"Uncle Russ was one of my favorite uncles. Always had the greatest respect for him and have lots of good memories from the age of 10 when he and Aunt Wanda got married. Today we are sending our love and prayers to Aunt Wanda, Barbara, Bob, Bill, Becky, Brad and families. So sad for our loss."
"Wanda, Brad, Bob and Oswalts - I lift up a prayer for you all. Wanda, you and Russ will always hold a special place in my heart and I have such fond memories of you both. I am with you in spirit as you celebrate his life. Love, Karina"
"To the family of Russ Oswalt: My name is Harold (Hal) Richardson. I was a friend of the Anderson family; Fred, Mable, Wanda, Jim and Max. I also knew Joe (who rode an Indian motorcycle of which I envied). This friendship developed when, as a teenager, I spent happy summer months at my grandparent's farm (John & Cora Lafferty) which adjoined the Anderson farm. This friendship bonded as the two families socialized and shared harvesting chores. My acquaintance with Russ was limited to the era in which he and Wanda were dating. Russ' was well known among the local farming community. My wife, Joan and I live in Westlake Village, California (aka Thousand Oaks) which is located north of Los Angeles. I am sorry for the loss of your husband and father. God is both healer and caregiver. I wish for Wanda and family happiness and God's blessing at this time of sorrow. Hal Richardson / 2-13-12"
"My prayers are with Wanda and Barb today, another of God's best has gone before us, we will meet again someday, say hello to Jesus, Russ, We'll be along shortly..."
"Thinking of you Barb, during this difficult time. My prayers and condolences to you and your family. Emily Thilges"
"Great memories...always enjoyed talking to Russ. He was always interested in what was going on with the Geer family as I was with the Oswalt family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. "
"Barb and family, Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. "
"I will miss Rus. I grew up as a boy in the Christian Church and Rus was always there as a friendly uncle. I never remember him without a smile. He will be missed."
"Barb and Family, Sorry to hear about your loss. Our Lord will give you the strength through this difficult time as he welcomes your loved into his care. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"It has been my privilege to know Russ for over 40 years. He was a good man and always had a smile on his face! You can see his influence in the warmth of his family. I'm sure that he has made friends quickly in glory after he had a nice long conversation with Jesus. Thanks Russ, for your warm smile and hand shake! "
"Uncle Russ was very special and will be missed by many. He was known for his Christian Faith and there if you needed him. He is at Peace now and will be with Dad and our other Uncles we have lost sharing memories. Our prayers go out to the family. God Bless."
"Barb and Family, My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with you all during your time of loss. May knowing others care help you through the days ahead. "
"To the family of Russ Oswalt- for those that don't know me I was a co-worker with Brad and had the priviledge of working with him for a good number of years. Always thought of him as another brother of mine. Then I met his mom and dad- so kind and genuine. Always enjoyed visiting with them both--so sorry for your loss. "
"Wanda and family- Thinking of your during this time of loss. Russ was a great man and he is remembered fondly."
"My name is Cheryl Hunnell Lowe. I am Carol Oswalt Dunn's sister. I only met Russ a few times when I was a child. The brief memories I have are of a kind, gentleman. Carol always spoke lovingly of him and wished she could see her Oswalt family more. Prayers for his family and friends as they mourn the loss of his life here on earth."
"What a special Uncle, God gave me to share my life with. Such a respected person, taught all of us what faith really is. I'm sure my dad and Russ are sharing good memories now..... "
"Wanda and family Our condolences to you in your loss of Russ, you are in our prayers. Russ was always an example of what a Godly man should be."
"Oswalt family -- may God wrap his arms around all of you during the following days as you reminisce, grieve, and say goodbye to Russ. Mom always enjoyed Russ and Wanda as neighbors and we appreciate their kindness to her. We are saddened by your loss. -- Bob and Carla Kohlwes"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Wanda and family....I'm so sad to hear the news of Russ' passing! You have lost a wonderful husband and father and so many of us have lost a true friend! Our loss is God's gain! "
"So sorry to hear of your loss. I loved spending Sunday afternoons with the family as a HS kid. The family was so close and loving. I admired and respected Russ as a husband, father and Christian gentleman. Thanks for the memories. Special thoughts and prayers to Bill and his family."